Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites
Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites are little pieces of juicy, tender chicken coated in a rich, buttery sauce packed with herbs and a touch of garlic. These bites offer a great…
Tip: save now, cook later.Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites are little pieces of juicy, tender chicken coated in a rich, buttery sauce packed with herbs and a touch of garlic. These bites offer a great mix of crispy edges and soft centers that make every mouthful super satisfying. It’s a simple dish that feels a little special thanks to the flavorful cowboy butter that clings to each piece.
I love making these for a casual weeknight dinner or whenever friends come over for a laid-back meal. The buttery sauce is easy to whip up but tastes like you put in a lot of effort—perfect for impressing without stress. Sometimes I even add a pinch of chili flakes to spice things up, which always gets a few happy “wow”s around the table.
My favorite way to serve these is with a side of roasted veggies or a fresh salad to balance the richness. They also pair wonderfully with warm, crusty bread that’s great for dipping into any leftover sauce. These chicken bites have become a go-to in my house when I want something delicious but not complicated—everyone always asks for seconds!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. Thighs are juicier, but breasts work well too. Cut them into small, even pieces for quick cooking.
Buttermilk: This tenderizes the chicken and adds tang. If you don’t have buttermilk, mix regular milk with a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar and let sit for 5 minutes.
Panko Breadcrumbs & Parmesan: Panko gives a light, crispy coating. Mixing in Parmesan adds great flavor and helps with browning. You can swap Parmesan for nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option.
Butter & Garlic: The cowboy butter sauce is key. Fresh garlic gives bold flavor, and butter creates richness. For a lighter version, you can use olive oil, but butter has that special taste.
Smoked Paprika & Chili Powder: These spices add smoky warmth and a mild kick. Adjust chili powder or chili flakes to control heat. If preferred, mild paprika works too.
How Can You Get Crispy, Flavorful Chicken Bites Every Time?
Crispiness comes from coating and cooking right. Here’s what I do:
- Marinate the chicken in spiced buttermilk for at least 30 minutes to keep it juicy and flavorful.
- Coat the chicken in a mixture of panko and Parmesan, pressing gently so it sticks well but isn’t heavy.
- Choose your cooking method: oven-baking is easier and less messy; just drizzle olive oil to help crispness. Pan-frying in olive oil adds extra crunch but watch the heat.
- Cook pieces evenly spaced so they get air and crisp on all sides.
- Once cooked, toss them quickly in warm cowboy butter sauce so the coating stays crisp yet flavorful.
These steps help balance juicy inside and crispy outside, and the butter sauce finishes everything with rich, garlicky goodness. It really turns simple chicken bites into something special.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowls – perfect for marinating the chicken and mixing the coating.
- Baking sheet with parchment paper or wire rack – helps chicken cook evenly and stay crispy in the oven.
- Skillet or frying pan – great if you prefer pan-frying for extra crispiness.
- Small saucepan – to melt butter and make the cowboy butter sauce.
- Tongs – makes flipping and tossing chicken bites easy without breaking the coating.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap chicken for shrimp for a quick seafood twist that cooks just as fast.
- Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the butter sauce if you like more heat.
- Mix chopped fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme into the breadcrumb coating for an earthy note.
- Stir in some finely grated cheddar with the Parmesan for a sharper cheese flavor.
How to Make Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Chicken:
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon salt, plus extra to taste
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for coating or frying)
For The Cowboy Butter Sauce:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon chili flakes (optional, for heat)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley or chives, finely chopped
For Garnish:
- Fresh chives or parsley, finely chopped
- Lemon wedges
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep, 30 minutes to marinate, and 15-20 minutes to cook. In total, expect around 45-60 minutes from start to finish, including marinating time to let the flavors soak in.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinate the Chicken:
In a medium bowl, mix buttermilk with garlic powder, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken pieces and toss well to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to tenderize and add flavor.
2. Prepare the Coating:
In another bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese. This mixture will give the chicken a crispy, flavorful crust.
3. Coat the Chicken:
Take the chicken pieces out of the buttermilk, letting excess drip off. Dredge each piece in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to make it stick.
4. Cook the Chicken:
- Oven method: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place coated chicken bites on a parchment-lined baking sheet or lightly greased wire rack. Lightly drizzle or spray olive oil over the chicken for crispiness. Bake for 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden and cooked through.
- Pan-fry method: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook chicken bites in batches for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Drain on paper towels.
5. Make Cowboy Butter Sauce:
In a small pan, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in lemon juice, smoked paprika, chili flakes (if using), and salt. Remove from heat and mix in fresh herbs.
6. Toss Chicken in Sauce:
Put cooked chicken bites in a large bowl. Pour warm cowboy butter sauce over them and gently toss to coat evenly.
7. Serve:
Transfer chicken to a basket or plate lined with parchment. Sprinkle with fresh chives or parsley and serve with lemon wedges and any leftover sauce for dipping.
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes! Just make sure to fully thaw the chicken in the refrigerator overnight before cutting it into bites. Pat the pieces dry with paper towels to prevent excess moisture, which can affect the coating’s crispiness.
Can I Make the Chicken Bites Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Marinate and coat the chicken bites ahead of time, then refrigerate them on a baking sheet covered with plastic wrap for up to 24 hours. Cook just before serving to keep them crispy and fresh.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover chicken bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in a hot oven or air fryer to help keep the coating crispy, rather than microwaving, which can make them soggy.
Can I Adjust the Spice Level?
Definitely! You can reduce or omit the chili powder and chili flakes for a milder flavor, or add more if you enjoy heat. The smoky paprika also adds depth without too much spice.